Little known Viva Impian plans largest integrated development in Cheras

Little known private company Viva Impian Sdn Bhd is proposing what could be the largest mixed-use, integrated development in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

The site is the green lung area at the north-western side of Taman Taynton View, near Taman Mutiara Barat.

Currently, the site consists of 84 land parcels spread over an area of approximately 20 acres.

On the far east of Taman Mutiara facing Jalan Cheras, another mixed-use development known as EkoCheras is currently ongoing. Developed by Ekovest Bhd, the 11.5-acre EkoCheras will be linked with a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station and has a total gross development value (GDV) of RM1.6 billion.

Being the new kid on the block, Viva Impian already has plans for a mixed development that would comprise of a 5-level shopping mall, several blocks of service apartments, a signature service residence, serviced suites and SoHos, two corporate office towers and one block of hotel.

All nine towers will sit on the fringes of the lifestyle shopping mall that will consist of a green central park, a mini theme park, a driving range, valet units and a water roofscape that will enhance the appeal of the development.

According to a source, the company has submitted land agglomeration plans to the authorities and its intention to convert the land status from residential to commercial use on a relatively high plot ratio.

If the proposed plot ratio were to be granted and masterplan approved, PTLM believes that Viva Impian's development will be at least twice larger than EkoCheras. Based on PTLM's estimates, the former will have a GDV of RM4 to 5 billion.

The development wil be linked via new road ramps that will be built over the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2).

A quick check on Viva Impian reveals that its two shareholders were appointed as directors of the dormant company in January last year. They are Koh Soo Huat and Hew Chop Chee.

PTLM has not been able to verify if the company is closely related to Datuk Seri Koo Tee Yam, a former head of the so called "Four Heavenly Kings" of Kuala Lumpur. Datuk Seri Koo was said to be venturing into property development and was also planning to redevelop the former Bintang Palace (behind Starhill Gallery) in Bukit Bintang into a 52-storey hotel tower with 650 rooms.

The proposed masterplan as per Viva Impian's submitted Development Order pertains to the following details.